Squirrel monkeys in social networks
Applying social network analysis to a social learning experiment on squirrel monkeys, researchers discovered that a squirrel monkey’s connections in a social network played a major role in the monkey’s ability for cultural learning. A clear box containing fruit was constructed with a door that could be opened with two different mechanics. Squirrel monkeys were chosen for this experiment as they were a very social species. Two alpha male squirrel monkeys from different groups were each taught a unique way to open a small container door to retrieve fruit. The researchers then observed the other squirrel monkeys’ abilities to learn the new skills and knowledge acquired by the two leaders. They discovered that it was not the older monkeys that acquired new skills the fastest. Instead, monkeys that were more “central” in the social network (had more ties and stronger ties with other monkeys) that learned faster and had more success picking up the new techniques. Researchers also discovered that “peripheral” monkeys were less likely than others to pick up the technique acquired by their leader.
It is surprising how similar the squirrel monkeys’ social networks are to the social networks of humans. Many of the phenomenon observed in the exchange of information in our social networks is reflected in the experiment. On one hand, “central” monkeys had many ties and strong ties so information introduced to the center of the system was easily acquired by these monkeys just as expected. On the other hand, “peripheral” monkeys had fewer ties and weaker ties so information introduced to the center of the system will take much longer and may not be as accurate when it reaches them. Furthermore, “peripheral” monkeys are more likely to have “weak” ties with monkeys of another group. The formation of these local bridges may lead to the exchange of novel information and thus introduce the other technique into the system. This may explain the observation that “peripheral” monkeys were less likely to pick up the technique corresponding with their leader since they may also have some information about the other technique used by the other group.
Article link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982213006313?via%3Dihub